I’m Jodi.

Certified Discernment Counselor, Online Relationship Coach, and Couples Therapist in New York and Utah.

Jodi Lerner, Discernment counselor

Find Clarity, Understanding, and Direction in Your Relationship

Everyone wants to be in a healthy relationship with trust, honesty, respect, and open, nonjudgmental lines of communication. But let’s be honest. Relationships aren’t consistently rainbows and butterflies. There might be conflict, ambivalence, disillusionment, resentment, and distrust.

But that doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed.

So, how do you know if things can get better or if you’re better off going your separate ways? It can be overwhelming and challenging to figure it out on your own. You need an experienced, trusted professional to guide you through your relationship challenges.

That is what I’m here for.

A Little About Me and Why I Do What I Do

My passion for helping individuals and couples move the needle in their relationships stems from my desire to make a difference. I’ll equip you with realistic and measurable tools to help you manage your personal and relational behaviors more effectively. With my help, you’ll be able to confidently make positive changes in your life and relationship.

Whether you need help strengthening your premarital foundation or require guidance navigating separation, I can help you through the full spectrum of partnership issues. Through my past professional positions and personal experiences, I’ve gained considerable clarity about what makes every day count.

Lesbian couple with children

Struggling in a painful, frustrating relationship situation is no way to live.

Yet, before becoming a psychotherapist, I watched so many couples stumble through life, confused, sad, ambivalent, and unaware of what to do next in their relationship. I saw them stop treating each other with respect. They needed clarity, understanding, and direction. They needed to understand the root of the problem and determine what path to take next.

That’s why I do what I do.

When a client or couple tells me they continue to use the tools I provide or that I helped them get through a really rough patch to feel centered and grounded once again, I feel good about the work I do.

Being a certified discernment counselor, a couples therapist in NY, and an online relationship coach to struggling individuals and couples is one way I’m making every day count for me and how I’m making a difference for you.

“The most functional way to regulate difficult emotions in love relationships is to share them.”

Sue Johnson

What Sets Me Apart

Not all couples therapists in NY are discernment counselors. But when you find one who is both, you’ve struck gold. Then, not only can you get professional guidance to help determine your next move, but if you choose to work on your relationship, you can seamlessly transition to my couples counseling practice.

While the skill sets complement each other, they are two very different services. As my client, you’ll benefit from my understanding and sensitivity to each.

Couple in silhouette standing back to back with clouds. In need of discernment counseling to determine if relationship should go forward
As Your Discernment Counselor

Discernment counseling is not therapy. It’s for couples on the brink and unsure of the next steps. Through a course of five sessions maximum, I’ll help you find clarity in your relationship, get out of ambivalence, and determine your next move.

With my help, you’ll finally decide whether you choose to stay together in the status quo, explore separation or divorce, or begin intensive couples counseling. While I’m happy to provide this valuable service to clients in NY, I can also help individuals throughout the U.S. via online discernment counseling.

Black couple in front of a laptop ready for online couples therapy in NY
As Your Couples Therapist in New York or Utah

Choosing couples therapy means you’re ready and willing to do what it takes to make your relationship work. We will explore triggers, individual behavioral patterns and discover how to work together to strengthen your committed partnership. We can set a solid foundation in premarital counseling or determine how to move forward in your relationship.

As your online couples therapist in NY, I’ll help you get to the root of why you and your partner are in an endless dance of pain, arguing, dysfunction, and loneliness. With my help, you’ll learn how to choose one another every single day and arm yourself with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to make your relationship last.

Laptop on a desk with plants for online therapy for indivduals

As Your Relationship Coach

If you are outside New York State, I can still help you navigate the challenges of your relationship through online relationship coaching. We’ll work together in a safe, secure online format and explore how you and your partner show up in your relationship and what you need to do to move it in a healthier, intentionally-focused direction.

Paper cutouts of a family representing family therapy in New York

As Your Individual Therapist in New York or Utah

Issues from your past can make you feel like you’re not in control of your own life. You can feel like a victim rather than the agent of your future. As an experienced and trained Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) therapist and psychodynamic counselor, I can give you the tools to change unwanted behaviors and beliefs so you can gain agency in your daily decisions and come to understand your true self better.

No matter what you’re dealing with, I’ll help you develop the tools and strategies you need to make positive changes in your life and move forward in confidence with a deeper understanding of self.

What to Expect When You Partner With Me

Honesty and integrity are integral to my practice. I will give you the honest truth about any behavioral changes you and your partner must work on. And, to ensure you get the most out of our time together, I’ll hold you accountable.

You can expect a safe place with me. A place where you can freely access and express your emotions and feelings, no matter how difficult. My goal is to move you forward in your relationships with others and your relationship with yourself.

Whether single, staying together or separating, if you move toward a more fulfilling life, that’s a positive change.

Steps to Working With Me

Whether you are in a relationship on the brink or want to start with couples therapy or couples coaching, it’s never too early to begin.

1. Fill Out Contact Form

To begin your journey to a better relationship, simply fill out the brief contact form on my website. I will contact you to schedule your consultation.

2. Free Consultation

Attend your free consultation, where we’ll discuss your challenges, concerns, and goals. If we’re a good fit, we’ll schedule your first appointment.

3. Work Together

It’s time to show up and do the work. Whether you need a discernment counselor, therapy, or coaching, we’ll work together toward clarity and understanding.

Jodi Lerner, LCSW with dog; online discernment counselor, NY therapist

Connect with Jodi

There’s never been a better time to develop a deeper understanding of your next step in life. I’m ready to get started.